Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a predetermined amount of a particulate or granular material. The apparatus comprises a hopper for holding a supply of material. The hopper has an upper end, a lower end and at least one tapered side wall. A plurality of discharge nozzle assemblies extend downwardly from the lower end of the hopper. A transport assembly is provided for uniformly transporting each of the containers directly under a corresponding one of the discharge nozzle assemblies. A frame supports the hopper above the transport assembly. Each of the discharge nozzle assemblies has an auger mounted thereabove for assisting the delivery of material to the same. Each of the discharge nozzle assemblies also includes a valve which is adapted to open and close the open bottom end of a corresponding discharge nozzle assembly in order to control the flow of material from the nozzle.

Abstract: Pellet molding apparatus for molding pellets from a powder material which includes a rotary index table upon which are placed a plurality of hollow cylindrical mold members spaced at equal radial and arc distances one from another. A mold filling station assembly is provided to fill the molds and a vertically operating hydraulic press at a pressing station compresses the powder in the cylindrical molds into pellets. A pivoted mold bottom operates upon a cam surface to maintain the bottom ends of the molds closed through the filling and pressing stations and swings open at an ejection station. An ejection station is provided and includes rams operating through the top of the mold member to force the compressed pellet out of the mold member through the open bottom end of the mold member.